Wole Soyinka backs Isese Day, urging Nigerians to embrace traditional culture and medicine while protecting heritage for future generations

Wole Soyinka backs Isese Day as a vital platform for reconnecting with cultural roots and reviving traditional practices, including herbal medicine, which he described as one of the oldest and most effective forms of healthcare.

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The 91-year-old Nobel Laureate spoke on Wednesday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, during a programme organised by the Ogun State government and traditionalists to commemorate this year’s Isese Day.

Soyinka, who returned to Nigeria to join the celebrations, urged citizens to protect and propagate traditional culture and inheritance. He emphasized that while orthodox medicine remains vital, even the Western world has increasingly turned to natural remedies.

“Our herbs and roots, which the people in the western world call pharmacology, are very potent,” he said.

“If we don’t go to the hospital, we think we cannot get the care we need, but these herbs and roots are powerful. Those who produce them should not be afraid — it is the way to go.”

Describing Isese Day as a cultural reawakening, Soyinka encouraged Nigerians to jealously guard their heritage and traditions.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, congratulated traditionalists and assured them of continued government support.

He reaffirmed that Isese Day has come to stay in the state, stressing the importance of unity and religious tolerance.

Chairman of the Alternate Medicine Board in Ogun, Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye, praised Governor Abiodun for declaring August 20 as Isese Day, fulfilling his campaign promise.

He also urged the state to further invest in alternative medicine, describing it as a “gold mine sector in today’s global world.”

Also read: Isese Day: Traditionalists offer special prayer for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability

For Soyinka, the message is clear: the Wole Soyinka backs Isese Day campaign is not just about celebration but about ensuring cultural preservation and embracing time-tested remedies for the future.